The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1887-06-03
THE GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF
DAKOTA,

THE GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF
DAKOTA.
| 1T. c. Duncan in Farm Field and Stockman.N
The natural history Of the peculiar forms.
tion Of Dakota is, as near as geologists can
unravel the mystery OF the continent formation,
supposed to be about as follows: The infant
continent OF North America as 1t rose above
tho primeTal waters was supposed to be in tie
shape Of rough triangle, with ono extremity
reaching above Winnipeg, and tho other way
off beyond Quebec, while tho junction was
about the union of the lakes Superior and
Huron; at least the oldest discovered Laurer-
tian rocks are along these lines. As the por-
tons to the south aud west roso gradually out
Of the prehistoric ocean, we eau understand
that this section contained the wealth of the
| early sediments. 'Geologists have arrived at
the conclusion that tho entire area Of the
United States AMI territories was, during
the lower silurian age, the bed Of
| comparatively shallow sea-" (Winchell.) FL
nally the Rocky mountains and tho Alleghan-
les were thrown up, waling in the glaciers
that subsequently plowed down from the ur-
| OF the new continent and depositng this with
other drifts over this Dakota region, which
would account for the trees being buried under
clay, gravel. sand, soil and other debris. Tbs
whole Mississippi valley was, as it is supposed,
again submerged at the close Of the glacial era,
and again to rise, and was, until quito recently,
sories OF shallow lakes. At least that is the
recent view Of the origin of tho many prairies.
Into these lakes tho water of the surrounding
country was drained. The sediment, broken
rock, glacial debris, rank vegetation of tho
long ages, gave saline character to those
lake waters. Where they wore shut in like
Salt Lake they became even more brackisl
than the ocean. ''Sea water may lie regarded
| as the accumulation OF all the surface drainage
| Of the earth" Brandy Dakota at this time
was undoubtedly vast lake, with at present
underlined limits. 1t doubtless extended from
the north to the extreme south of the territory,
even into Iowa and Nebraska, and from CEN
| tral Minnesota on the east TO the Missouri
river or beyond. This vast lake received the
wealthy washngs from virgin land all around
until finally tho water became decidedly brack-
| ISL. The saline ingredients underwent many
changes but much was deposited in the sedi-
| nent at tue bottom. 1t is we'll known that
water, especially the saline, forms precipi-
| tate. The lake began to overflow and the
Dakota or James river to the south, and the
Red river OH tho north drained this vast ex
panse and luxurious grasses took possession of
this lake bed with its heavy deposit Of organic
matter, and it became the home of tho buffalo,
| Indian and prairie fires.
Such in brief seems to be the natural history
OF this wonderful section. Here the history of
Dakota diverges from that of othor prairies.
! The lands east OF the Mississippi have had
their saline ingredients washed out and carried
away to the ocean or under gro und, and are
now being tapped at Saginaw and other salt
works. Dakota retains hor valuable saline
soil ingredients, chiefly Judge, on account
OF tho deep loan, numerous irregular strata of
clay, and the level character of the sur
face. n y
The soil is evidently glacial drift deposit,
and, like portions of Switzerland, is filled with
vegetable matter many feet deep. There are
no distinct layers Of clay, sand or gravel
The soil will prove fnexhaustlble, and when
the surface Is ,inproductive. deep sub-soiI
| ploWing viii reiasena!e y by bringing totl.e.
will therefore prove as valuable a. the lower
levels, while the lower swales can be- rendered
productive by draining or boring for several
feet down. The fact that pockets Of sand, gravel,
clay and alluvial deposit are mixed, and that
stumps OF trees are found thirty feet below the
surface, shows that the soil is something won
derful. 1t will interest students of geology,
and those interested in continent formation, TO
visit this wonderful country.
Whom wo come to study the soil water of
Dakota, wo shall see that this soil composition
is undoubtedly very favorable to absorption
and retention Of moisture. Sulphuric acid, it
is we'll known to all chemists, absorbs moisture
rapidly from the air. An open vial partially
filled with sulphuric acid will soon absorb
enough water from tho air to overflow the
vial. Salt also abs0rbs moisture from the
air. With these facts before him the
agricultural chemist would not be sur
prised that soil rich in the sulphates and
containing salt would absorb and rstain such
moisture.
| The fact that many Of the lakes are In the
higher regions would seem to indicate that the
moisture is largely absorbed from tho atmos-
phere. Soils which attract ;Brial moisture
with the greatest avidity are always tho most
fertile. Chemical analysis of soils distinguished
for their power Of attracting eral moisture
are found to contain sand, finely divided clay,
carbonate Of lime aud organic matter, all SO
lightly bound together as to permit the access
OF air to considerable depth. Another thing
which may partially account for the moisture
Is that clouds hang low ovor treeless level
country, which greatly favors precipitation.
When villages arise all over Dakota, clumps
Of trees dot the present vast open expanse,
and cultivation renders tho surface diversified,
then rains will doubtless increase in quantity
and frequency.
Tie lightness aud porosity OF the freshly up
turned soil Of Dakota is marvel to one who
would expect sogginess from tho luxuriant
growth Of grass. This lightness suggests sand
and shallowness, but we sec that it is
salient feature Of rich soil.
|
| Few people in the states realize the vast area
| of Dalota nr ifa nnasihiI;fiao in tho xvo, -